Executive for Synod Relations

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America•Chicago, IL

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of the Secretary’s primary responsibility provides administrative oversight of governing documents and adherence to said documents. Other areas include record keeping, reporting, and meeting coordination. This position is responsible for coordinating relationships between the churchwide organization and synods, including regions, and for providing support to the Conference of Bishops. This position involves churchwide planning and budgeting processes, external grants coordination, and conflict resolution within churchwide units and synod staffs. This position also is responsible for the coordination and curriculum of the ELCA Systems Academy. This is a full-time, regular, exempt, Chicago-based/hybrid position. This position has responsibilities that will require being in the office a minimum of 2 days/week and more as needed. The eligibility of a candidate for remote or hybrid positions may depend on the residency of the candidate, and the budget for the role, including salary or pay, insurance coverage, and/or tax burden. Candidates for this position must reside within the fifty United States or the District of Columbia and be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

Requirements

10+ years of experience with church governance, program planning, or other relevant experience. Bachelor’s degree highly preferred, advanced degree or equivalent preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. ELCA Rostered minister preferred.
Extensive knowledge of the history, theology, traditions, practices, polity, and structure of the ELCA; awareness of theological and ecumenical trends and developments.
Synod staff leadership experience preferred.
Extensive knowledge, experience, and practice of Bowen family systems theory preferred.
Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA.
Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership, support, and guidance to assigned staff.
Excellent skills in speaking, writing, and editing.
Extensive administrative and organizational skills; proven critical thinking and analytical skills.
Strong group and interpersonal skills; awareness of pastoral care and congregational dynamics resources.
Discretion, diplomacy, and respect for confidentiality.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism. Demonstrated ability to invite diverse perspectives, promote an inclusive work environment and support diversity.
Membership in an ELCA congregation or worshipping community.
Minimum Technical Competency: Computer knowledge that enables you to operate a Windows Computer and follow basic troubleshooting instructions. Software skills to efficiently use computer programs and applications. Ability to leverage computer knowledge and software skills to understand new software, follow process, and identify opportunities for improvement. Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.) preferred.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree highly preferred, advanced degree or equivalent preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
ELCA Rostered minister preferred.
Synod staff leadership experience preferred.
Extensive knowledge, experience, and practice of Bowen family systems theory preferred.
Valid driver’s license preferred.
Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.) preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversees the coordination of relationships between the churchwide organization and synods, including regions, particularly in the area of joint ministries and programs.
Provides staff services to the Conference of Bishops in order that the conference might fulfill its responsibilities, including planning and coordination of meetings.
Leads the ELCA Systems Academy and its leadership team: coordination and curriculum planning of all Academy sessions, four times a year.
Coordinates with synods churchwide representation at synod assemblies.
Works closely with the Secretary in assisting synods with their bishop election process.
Works with the Conference of Bishops to provide orientation and mentorship for newly elected bishops.
Supervises Synod Relations Staff.
Performs other duties as assigned.